When Robert Randolph talks about his new album, Lickety Split, a few words come up over and over—”joy,” “freedom,” “energy.” Which is no surprise, really, because those are the same things that immediately spring into a listener’s mind when these twelve tracks from the virtuoso pedal steel guitarist and his longtime accompanists, the Family Band, explode out of the speakers.

“My thing is really upbeat, uptempo, with great guitar riffs,” says Randolph, summarizing his musical ambitions, “but also catchy choruses and lyrics that someday will make this music into classic tunes.”

“Robert Randolph is an American Original,” says Don Was, President of Randolph’s new label, Blue Note Records. “He has mastered what is, arguably, the most complex instrument in the world and developed a unique voice that is equal parts street-corner church and Bonnaroo. This album finally captures the energy and excitement of his legendary live performances.”

Robert Randolph & The Family Band first gained national attention with the release of the album Live at the Wetlands in 2002. The band followed with three studio recordings over the next eight years—Unclassified, Colorblind, and We Walk This Road—which, together with tireless touring and unforgettable performances at such festivals as Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, won them an expanding and passionate fan base. Randolph’s unprecedented prowess on his instrument garnered him a spot on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” list, and also attracted the attention of such giants as Eric Clapton and Carlos Santana, who have collaborated with him on stage and in the studio.

“What I’ve learned from being around those guys—and you never really notice it until the moment is away from you—is that it’s really important to them that someone keeps original music going, that you’re not just trying to be like everybody else,” he says. “Eric really wants to know what’s going on now, he’s always going ‘Show me that lick again!’—they’re like little kids, and that’s really the great part about it. It makes me think that I need to keep getting better, to stay excited and keep trying to be innovative and keep growing.”

About the Author

Eric Gleason
Eric Gleason is a writer and photographer based in Albany, NY. In addition to being the webmaster and a member of the CRBN board of directors, he runs KokoTele Guitar Works, a custom guitar and repair company.